Artsmith Photography

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Ellie + Brandon / a New Year's Eve wedding at Vista Grande

I wrung in the New Year with this beautiful couple as they celebrated their wedding with loved ones! Whew, what a day! Ellie and Brandon threw one heck of a party, it was beautifully elegant, fun, heartwarming, entertaining, loving, emotional… truly everything they could have hoped for and then some!

The day began at the Hampton where the ladies got all gorgeous and ready for the big day. Ellie’s friend Jenna did her hair and Tatum with Your Esti Tatum did the makeup. Both ladies did an amazing job! While they got ready, my second shooter Angela and I captured photos of the bridal details, which were stunning. I loved the emerald and deep red paired with sparkles and blush undertones. Gah, amazing!

We also couldn't get over how beautiful the bouquets were. Melanie Flowers always does an incredible job with her floral arrangements. The invitations coordinated nicely with the other details as well, they were ordered on Etsy from a shop called Invitation Elegant.

I remember at their engagement session, I stopped mid-portrait when I noticed the engagement ring. It is awesome you guys, seriously soooo pretty! They told me the wedding bands are from Olive Ave Jewelry. The bride’s dress was designed by Shelby Duggan who owns Vintage Chic Bridal Boutique. It was absolutely gorgeous! The emerald bridesmaid dresses were purchased from Baltic Born and the menswear was from Men’s Wearhouse. All of it came together so perfectly!

Once everyone made it to the Vista Grande, Ellie did a first look with her bridesmaids. This is one of my new favorite things. Who better to hype you up for your first look with the almost-hubby than your besties?! The first look between bride and groom was adorably sweet as well. Apparently Brandon doesn’t normally cry but he made up for it on their wedding day. He wore his emotions on his sleeve from the first look, through the ceremony and during the toasts from their closest friends and family. It wasn’t just Brandon though, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as these two began their new marriage on New Year’s Eve.

We all know that while a wedding is in celebration of the happy couple, it’s a party for everyone! The Heppner’s guests seemed to be having a wonderful time, enjoying the decor put together by the Vista Grande, food from Corner Deli, dessert from Harvest Bakery and entertainment from Romantic Times Wedding DJ Services. A special shoutout to Ellie’s students as well, who made the wooden signs seen throughout the venue. She has some talented students who obviously must adore her! It’s easy to do… I also adore this sweet couple and can’t thank them enough for choosing me as their wedding photographer!

Congratulations again Mr and Mrs Heppner! One month down, an eternity to go!

Ellie + Brandon Heppner
12.31.2022